Ulkatcho First Nation - Chief Administrative Officer
Ulkatcho First Nation, Anahim Lake, BC | Full-time
Position Summary
The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) collaborates with a senior team for leading and managing the administration and operations of UFN. Reporting directly to UFN Chief and Council, the CAO ensures the effective delivery of programs and services, oversees all departments, and drives strategic initiatives aligned with UFN’s Five-Year Strategic Plan. This role provides visionary leadership, operational excellence, and cultural humility across operational departments within the following UFN departments: Health and Wellness Department, Education Department, Child and Family Department, Assets and Housing, Finance, and Governance and Secretariat Services.
The CAO works in strong partnership with the UFN Chief Governance Officer by aligning operational plans with governance and natural resource priorities with service delivery and capital projects. These priorities will be strategically coordinated with overdue efforts with nation re-building that drive traditional wellness and land-based healing within UFN.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
· Provide overall leadership for day-to-day operations, and supervising Directors.
· Implement HR policy related to recruitment and retention, and approval of positions.
· Translate UFN’s strategic priorities into actionable plans across all departments and establish performance plans for Directors, supports coaching and training and progressive discipline where required.
· Conduct needs assessments, identifying gaps, and leads program priorities.
· Advise Chief and Council on policy, governance, and operational matters, including identifying and reporting organization risks (e.g., terminations, confidentiality breaches, conflicts of interest, or fraud) and shield Council from administrative duties and liability.
· Ensure compliance with UFN bylaws, policies, and applicable federal/provincial regulations, including United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
· Promote organizational culture rooted in UFN values: respect, accountability, transparency, trust, and unity.
Governance
· Coordinates the development and implementation of UFN Community Comprehensive Plan and vision, including a strategic plan with Chief and Council every term.
· Participates in committees that support organizational growth and capacity building.
· Supports orientation and governance training through the development of a governance and leadership manual for Chief and Council to ensure clarity of roles, responsibilities, and avoidance of conflict of interest, liabilities and strengthening governance roles.
· Develop a UFN governance agreement between UFN Chief and Council and Ulkatcho Group of Companies to advance economic development and growth for the UFN-owned corporations and partnerships to build shared benefit for all UFN members.
· Oversee and provide direction & decision making to the Chief and Council Secretariat.
· Develop a regular engagement calendar for UFN members to be engaged and informed about programs, services and opportunities.
· Maintain a UFN website, App and other social media channels to update membership.
· Create meaningful opportunities for members to provide input, raise concerns, and engage with staff on strategy, plans and frameworks.
Financial Management
· Implement BCR 2024-27 UFN Finance Policy Update, which includes overseeing financial administration with strong internal controls and financial reporting.
· Works with Directors to prepare and manage annual budgets and secure funding.
· Lead annual budget cycle, audits, and financial reporting.
· Monitors cash flow, approves expenditure, & adhere to Financial Administration Law.
· Reviews and implements audits and maintains delegation and signing authority.
· Monitors purchasing, tendering, financial transactions, and capital asset management.
· Oversee capital projects, RFPs, and life-cycle management of infrastructure.
· Pursues economic development funding proposals and prepares official correspondence to stakeholders.
Human Resources & Organizational Development
· Mentor and develop leadership capacity among Directors and Managers.
· Ensure adherence to HR policies and foster a positive, inclusive workplace.
· Implement workforce development and succession planning strategies.
Health & Wellness
Health Department:
· Implement BCR 2025-38 Moving to Implementation with Evaluation #3, #7, #8 and #9.
· Evaluate the UFN Five-Year Strategic Plan and Report on the Findings.
· Build the UFN Health and Wellness Data Demonstration Project.
· Work in partnership to renew the UFN Health and Wellness Plan through engagement.
· Advance the capital plan that includes building a staff duplex and new health vehicles.
· Complete the New UFN Health and Wellness Centre Feasibility Study.
· Advance UFN Health Governance at the Interior Region Nation Executive and Caucus.
Wellness Department:
· Implement BCR 2025-38 Moving to Implementation with Evaluation #3, #7, #8 and #9.
· Build a strong wellness plan that includes an annual calendar of events with traditional,
· culture and language activities on the land and in the community.
· Build a team to support Community Wellness, Events and Activities, Engagement and Youth and Elder Support
· Develop a crisis response protocol and emergency preparedness plan.
· Work in partnership to renew the UFN Health and Wellness Plan through engagement.
· Open the UFN Wellness Centre with the development of a multi-year Operations Plan.
· Lead staff wellness planning with a focus on work planning, team morale, and team building.
Education
· Improve attendance, literacy & numeracy, and graduation rates for all UFN members.
· Develop a UFN post-secondary recruitment and retention strategy.
· Integrate UFN language into early childhood, K-12 and adult learning programs.
· Partner with language speakers as instructors and mentors in the school system.
· Embed traditional knowledge and seasonal cycles into land-based activities.
· Create pathways to trades, post-secondary, and employment at UFN.
· Advance control over education under Indigenous jurisdiction through UFN led policies and standards, in alignment with UNDRIP and DRIPA.
· Build meaningful partnerships with universities, colleges, and training institutions.
· Leverage adult learnings in community through remote and digital resources.
Child & Family Jurisdiction
· Implement BCR 2025-62 Capacity Funding Jurisdiction Request that sets the direction to advance UFN jurisdiction of Child and Family Services through submitting a capacity development funding request to Indigenous Services Cadan through jurisdiction planning, and a strategic work plan to engagement with on and off reserve members.
· Provide oversight to the child and family programs in community.
Housing & Assets
· Implement BCR 2024-29 UFN Chief and Council approve 2024 UFN Capital Plan.
· Implement the UFN Capital Plan, including various priorities with the focus of meeting urgent and long-term housing needs, increase water and wastewater services and their capacity, and enhance community capacity and infrastructure as the community continues to grow and develop.
· To focus on immediate capital and infrastructure projects:
o Elders Care Home;
o FNHA employment staff housing;
o Building housing in main reserve;
o Opening of UFN wellness centre;
o Keyah Housing project;
The CAO will have strong communication through respectful, direct, collaborative, and culturally sensitive leadership. They will be caring, open, and able to support and mentor or future leaders and champions. The CAO will be decisive, clear and committed to long-term stability and transparency.
In addition, they will possess the following:
Education and Experience
· Minimum 10 years of leadership experience in First Nations administration.
· Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field (Master’s preferred).
· Proven experience in financial management, strategic planning, and organizational development.
· Knowledge of Federal and Provincial Labour Code, OHS, Privacy and Human Rights, UNDRIP, DRIPA, and other relevant legislation.
· Knowledge of ISC financial and reporting requirements.
· Experience in HR, financial management, and governance procedures.
Qualifications
· Strong knowledge of Indigenous governance frameworks and funding agreements.
· Excellent communication, engagement, and conflict resolution skills.
· Deep understanding and respect for UFN history, culture, and traditions.
· Demonstrated ability to lead a team and mentor emerging leaders.
· Experience working with or within a First Nation government or Indigenous
organization is a strong asset.
· Strong communication, facilitation, and conflict resolution skills.
How to Apply:
Posting Date: March 5, 2026
· Internally posted for one week until March 12, 2026
· External posting scheduled for March 13, 2026
Application closing: March 24, 2026
Pay Grade: Salary range: $140,000.00 - $160,000.00 annually
· Comprehensive benefits package.
· Opportunities for professional development and leadership growth.
Interview Process:
· Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
· Two step interviews (Interview & written assignment).
· Criminal record check.
· Reference Check.
How to Apply:
· Please email your resume and cover letter to hr@ulkatcho.ca. Please include “Chief Administrative Officer” in the subject line. Or drop off at the reception counter at the band office.
In accordance with Section 16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act and pursuant to Section 42 of the BC Human Rights Code, it is UFN policy to practice preferential hiring for Aboriginal peoples. Candidates who wish to qualify for preferential consideration must self-identify.